Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an EDPA Partner.
ENTERPRISE, AL (WSFA) -New manufacturing jobs are coming to the city of Enterprise.
On Thursday, Pridecraft manufacturing plant leaders announced the creation of 11 new jobs, and they're looking for applicants to fill the positions.
About 70 people work at the plant now, manufacturing sheeting and bedding materials for hospitality and healthcare industries. They're currently in the process of starting a drapery line also.
A public celebration is scheduled for Saturday at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley ahead of Monday's invitation-only inauguration ceremonies for the new $600 million Airbus aircraft manufacturing plant.
The afternoon kicks off at 3 p.m. with the opening of the Kid Zone followed by the 5:30 p.m. start of a one-mile fun run. The Airbus 5K on the Runway race is scheduled for 6 p.m.
A post-race celebration, starting at 6:30 p.m., consists of family-friendly activities, food and drinks as well as live music, fireworks and a short video presentation.
Site consultants rank Alabama a top state in Area Development survey
Site selection professionals surveyed by national publication Area Development once again ranked Alabama in the top five states for doing business, citing its strong labor climate and workforce development programs.
Alabama ranked No. 5 in Area Development's 2015 "Top States For Doing Business" analysis, appearing this week online. It's the sixth consecutive year that Alabama has placed in the overall top 5 in the publication's rankings.
"The fact that Alabama is consistently getting high marks from site selection consultants indicates that the state is viewed as a prime location for expansion opportunities," said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "The results reflect the strength of Alabama's skilled workforce and our training programs, as well as a favorable business environment that companies from around the world are seeking."
The Chilton County Health Care Authority signed off on the agreement this week. The 30-bed hospital will be called St. Vincent's Chilton and is expected to be open in the fall of 2016. St. Vincent's will operate the hospital for the next 29 years.
The facility will include a 24/7 emergency room, surgical services, diagnostics, inpatient care, and intensive care, according to a release from St. Vincent's.
Few race courses can boast about their green space, but only one is called the "Augusta National of race tracks" - Barber Motorsports Park.
Funded entirely out-of-pocket by owner George Barber, the 220-acre park - which features the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum - has continued to expand while maintaining a certain rural feel that sets it apart from other tracks.
Barber earlier this month announced he would expand the museum, adding up to 85,000 square feet of museum space to highlight his world-record motorcycle collection.
